5 minute read
MEET ALLIE HAYES
THE WARRIOR WITH AN EXTRA CHROMOSOME
BY MOLLY DAVIS
Allie Hayes is a warrior. Her parents, Mark and Dawn Hayes, knew this right when she was born. While still in the hospital following her birth, she was diagnosed with Down syndrome, leukemia and a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Fortunately, no intervention was needed for the leukemia; it dissipated after 16 weeks. Unfortunately, the VSD required surgery when Allie was just four months old.
Just like many families whose children have a chronic health diagnosis, The Hayes family, including Allie’s siblings Patrick and Hannah, felt fearful, and wondered if they would ever have reason to feel hopeful.
Dawn and Mark found wonderful doctors who did everything they could to help Allie. The first few years of her life were very challenging since her health issues were so complex. They navigated doctor appointments, therapy sessions, IEP meetings, and finding out any information they could to help their daughter. They were rewarded in the end. Dawn said if she could talk to parents that receive a new diagnosis she would tell them, “The first few years are hard getting [your child] up and running, but then in large part, it’s smooth sailing.”
Allie’s early life experiences taught her how to face and overcome challenges. She attended public school in Troy and graduated with honors. She is the first person with Down syndrome to attend Oakland Community College. Allie is working on her associate of arts degree and loves all of her classes. Just like most college students, she had to learn to juggle classes and a job without stressing herself out. Allie takes one class per semester and that works for her.
Allie faced another challenging situation when she was contacted by a stranger online and manipulated into sending explicit pictures of herself. Her parents found out this was not illegal when they contacted law enforcement, and they jumped into action. They advocated for a new law, spoke to the Michigan House and Senate, met Governor Whitmer, and didn’t stop until the “Justice for Allie” bill became law in Michigan in 2023.
The Hayes family motto is “turn lemons into lemonade.” This mindset has helped them through their challenges. After the law was enacted to help protect vulnerable populations from online predators, they had a Yellow Party to celebrate. When asked why she felt the need to push for legislation, Allie said, “I like making a difference in the world and to help people with disabilities feel safe.” Allie was empowered by her advocacy for others. This empowerment helped her feel strong enough to move out on her own. She enjoys her freedom and likes it that her family is close if she wants to visit.
Allie has been a faithful and dedicated employee at Terminal Supply Company in Troy since 2017 and has found independence through her job. She loves working and says, “Everyone treats me with dignity and respect.” She has done such a great job that the Arc of Oakland County awarded her the Insperation Award 2024.” She was mentored by another employee who has a disability and can’t wait to mentor someone else.
In her spare time, Allie enjoys art and is an advocacy ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Association. While there are many organizations that helped them, the Hayes family encourages everyone to join the Arc in their community for support and guidance. They found that building friendships helped them on their journey, as well.
Not only has Allie had a positive impact on her community, but she has impacted her family, as well. Her wonderful nature has kept the family close. According to her mother, “Allie is pure in all her actions and teaches us what’s important in life.” The family stays close even though Allie’s two siblings live in Grand Rapids. Her brother Patrick and his wife, Muriel, live about 10 minutes from her sister Hannah. The distance doesn’t keep Allie away--she loves visiting the west side of the state.
Though they did not choose Allie’s health challenges, the Hayes family chose to come together to support each other. They appreciate all the blessings they have been given. According to Dawn, “The addition [of Allie] to our family brought us much more than just an extra chromosome; it brought us patience, appreciation, friendship, faith, and joy! How could a tiny chromosome provide all that?”
